Kael held Lira close, eyes fixed on the dark trees ahead.
The forest felt colder now. The wind stopped moving. Even the insects were quiet.
Something was out there.
Lira pointed weakly, her hand trembling.
"Kael… he's still watching."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"Stay behind me."
He stepped forward slowly, placing Lira against a large rock so she could rest. Her breathing was still uneven, and the faint silver-black glow on her skin flickered weakly.
Kael turned back toward the trees.
A tall shape stood between the trunks.
Not moving.
Not hiding.
Just watching them with calm eyes that glowed faintly in the dark.
"Show yourself," Kael said.
The figure stepped forward.
His steps made no sound on the ground.
He wore long dark robes and a mask shaped like a smooth metal plate. No mouth. No eyes. Only empty holes where eyes should be.
Lira grabbed Kael's hand.
"Kael… who is he?"
Kael shook his head. "Not a hunter. Not an assassin. Something else."
The masked figure stopped a few steps away and lifted his hand.
He wasn't attacking—he was showing he meant no harm.
A calm voice came from behind the mask.
"You carry a rare bond. Shadow and light. I came to see it with my own eyes."
Kael's body tensed. "What do you want?"
The man lowered his hand.
"I am a Seer from the Silent Order. We watch the world from the shadows. Your bond is something we have been waiting for."
Lira frowned, still weak. "Why?"
The Seer turned toward her.
"Because your bond will change the world. It is growing too fast, and if left alone… it could destroy both of you."
Kael stepped in front of her.
"You're not touching her."
The Seer tilted his head slightly.
"I'm not here to harm her. I'm here to warn you."
Lira tried to sit up. "Warn… us about what?"
The Seer's voice lowered.
"The Emperor knows about the bond. And he has already made his move."
Kael's eyes darkened.
"What move?"
The Seer pointed toward the sky.
A faint red light glowed far away, rising like fire.
"That light," he said quietly, "is a signal. The Emperor has sent his strongest unit. The Blood Oath Knights."
Lira's breath stopped for a moment.
Kael clenched his fists.
The Seer continued, "If they find you now, in this state, you will both die."
Kael stepped closer, angry.
"Then help us."
The Seer stayed calm.
"I will help you reach a safe place. But after that… you must learn to control the bond. If not, it will destroy you from the inside."
Lira held Kael's arm tightly.
"Kael… let's go with him."
Kael didn't trust the masked man.
But he looked at Lira—weak, shaking, losing strength with each minute.
He had no choice.
Kael nodded slowly.
"Fine. Lead the way."
The Seer turned and began walking deeper into the forest.
Kael lifted Lira into his arms again and followed.
Neither of them knew it yet…
But this choice would change everything.